JP2019527790A - Controller with internal active cooling function and pump assembly with built-in motor - Google Patents

Abstract

A pump assembly and a method for cooling it are disclosed. The pump assembly includes a pump, a controller, and a driven electric motor. The pump and electric motor are on both axial sides of the controller. The assembly also has a heat transfer plate disposed between the pump and the controller that conducts heat from the controller. A transfer passage is provided that receives the pressurized fluid output from the pump, guides the fluid along and in contact with the heat conducting plate, and conducts heat from the heat conducting plate to the pressurized fluid. The outlet passage communicates with the assembly outlet and releases pressurized fluid.

Description

(Cross-reference of related applications)
This patent application is based on US Provisional Application No. 62 / 364,540 filed July 20, 2016 and US Provisional Application No. 62 / 404,975 filed October 6, 2016. The contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

  The present disclosure generally relates to a pump for supplying pressurized fluid to a system. More specifically, this pump is associated with the engine and incorporates a controller.

  It is known that a dedicated electric motor and controller (with circuit board and other electrical components) may be provided to operate the lubricant pump. This controller requires a large surface area and cooling interface to remove the heat generated by the efficiency loss. As a result, space for pump, motor, and controller installations is typically predefined and already limited, thus limiting space for the pump. Since space for the pump is limited, optimizing pump performance can be a problem.

  Some designs as shown in FIG. 1 include a controller at the back or end of the motor and a pump at the opposite end of the motor. Other known designs include a pump sandwiched between the controller and motor at both ends. During pump and engine operation, the temperature rises within each housing. High temperatures can cause problems for each pump component and controller and can even lead to failure. In each type of configuration described above, the controller is typically cooled only by atmospheric flow.

  Further, conventionally, positive and negative power connectors are also overmolded on the controller cover. The positioning of each connector on the controller cover or housing also exposes each connector to damage and / or failure.

  Furthermore, conventional designs tend to make the diameter of each pumping element larger than the optimal diameter and length in order to obtain the desired output from the pump. As a result, higher torque is required to drive the pump, which is undesirable.

  One aspect of the present disclosure includes an assembly inlet for inputting fluid, an assembly outlet for outputting fluid, an electric motor housed in a motor casing, a pump having a pump housing, and an electric motor to the pump. A pump assembly having a connecting drive shaft and a controller configured to drive an electric motor is provided. The pump has an inlet for receiving input fluid from the assembly inlet and a transfer outlet for outputting pressurized fluid. The drive shaft is configured to be driven about an axis by an electric motor. The pump and electric motor are on both axial sides of the controller. The pump assembly also has a heat transfer plate disposed between the pump and the controller to conduct heat from the controller. The pump assembly receives the pressurized fluid output from the pump transfer outlet, guides the pressurized fluid along and contacts the heat conducting plate, and conducts heat from the heat conducting plate to the pressurized fluid. A transfer passage is also provided. The outlet passage communicates the transfer passage with the assembly outlet and releases pressurized fluid.

  Another aspect provides a method for cooling a pump assembly. The pump assembly may be as described above, for example. The method uses a controller to drive an electric motor, drive a drive shaft, input fluid through the assembly inlet of the pump assembly to the pump inlet, and use the pump to input fluid. Pressurizing, outputting the pressurized fluid to the transfer passage through the transfer outlet, directing the pressurized fluid along and contacting the thermally conductive plate, and passing the pressurized fluid through the assembly outlet Releasing.

  Other aspects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

An example of the pump by a prior art is shown.

1 is an isometric view of a pump assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the pump assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pump assembly taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2, showing each component within the respective housing.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of parts of the pump assembly of FIG. 2 showing the parts of the pump with the pump hydraulic housing removed.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of parts of the pump assembly of FIG. 2, showing the internal parts of the pump with the pump cover plate removed.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of parts of the pump assembly of FIG. 2, showing the pump port plate with parts of the pump removed.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the components of the pump assembly of FIG. 2, showing the first axial side of the cover plate with the pump and port plate removed.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the components of the pump assembly of FIG. 2, showing the components and shaft of the controller in the pump assembly, according to one embodiment, with the cover plate removed.

FIG. 4 illustrates each part of a controller provided in a pump assembly, according to one embodiment. FIG.

9 shows a second axial direction side of the cover plate shown in FIG.

It is another figure of the cover plate of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of parts of a motor provided within a motor housing of the pump assembly of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the controller circuit board and each capacitor connected to the shaft and motor of FIG. 13 according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the controller circuit board and each capacitor connected to the shaft and motor of FIG. 13 according to one embodiment.

2 is a graphical representation of each electrical connection and interface of a pump assembly, according to one embodiment.

3 is a graphical representation of fluid flow within the pump assembly of FIG.

FIG. 2 shows a portion of a cross section of a pump assembly that includes a fluid flow path for cooling motor components. FIG.

  The location, orientation, and use of the term “side” herein and throughout this disclosure with respect to any of the components of controller 26 and pump assembly 10 is intended to be limiting. Rather, such features are disclosed in the present disclosure as top ("top"), bottom ("bottom"), top ("upper"), bottom ("lower"), first ("first"), first It should be understood that it may also be referred to as 2 (“second”) or the like. The position, orientation, and corresponding terminology are merely intended to be described with reference to the figures of the illustrated embodiment. Further, the examples and terminology described with respect to direction are for illustrative purposes only, and the direction and / or side descriptions are modified based on the positioning or mounting of the disclosed pump assembly in the vehicle. It should be understood that there are cases. Accordingly, it is understood that such terms refer to the illustrated exemplary embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the assembly when installed or configured for use in a vehicle or other machine. Should be.

  2 and 3 show the pump assembly 10 with its housing and components disposed longitudinally along axis A, according to one embodiment of the present specification. The pump assembly 10 outputs an assembly inlet 12 for inputting a fluid, such as a lubricant (eg, oil or transmission fluid), and a fluid, ie, a fluid pressurized by a pump 22 contained within the pump assembly. Assembly outlet 16 for The pump assembly 10 may supply pressurized fluid to, for example, an automobile transmission or engine. In one embodiment, the direction of flow to and / or from the assembly inlet 12 may be perpendicular to the overall axial length of the pump assembly 10. In another embodiment, at least one of the inlet 12 and / or outlet 16 directs flow into the pump perpendicular or angular to the longitudinal or axial length of the pump assembly 10. In the illustrated embodiment, fluid enters pump assembly 10 through assembly inlet 12 (eg, vertically or horizontally) and enters pump 22 (eg, longitudinal or axial) through an inlet passage defined by inlet pipe 14. Led in the direction). The inlet pipe 14 has an axial length and is fluidly connected to the pump 22 via its inlet 25 (see, for example, FIG. 5). This will be further described later. Pressurized fluid from the pump 22 is output through an output passage defined by the outlet pipe 18 (eg, longitudinally or axially) and through the assembly outlet 16 (eg, vertically or horizontally). According to one embodiment, the outlet pipe 18 has an axial length and is parallel to the inlet pipe 14. The fluid input flow through the pipe 14 and the fluid output flow through the pipe 18 may be substantially parallel (compared to each other), but in opposite directions. Each of the pipes 14 and / or 18 may have a generally laminar flow of fluid therethrough.

  Pipes 14 and 18 may be formed from metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. The length of the inlet pipe 14 and / or outlet pipe 18 as shown in each figure is not intended to be limiting. Pipes 14 and 18 may have, for example, similar lengths, or one may be shorter than the other. In one embodiment, lightweight aluminum or plastic may be used for at least part of the length of pipes 14 and / or 18. Further, the (each) length of each (each) pipe 14, 18 may be adjusted to accommodate other parts associated with the pump, such as a pressure relief valve not specifically shown here. Good. According to one embodiment, the axial length of each pipe 14, 18 is minimized to minimize the overall axial length of the pump assembly 10, thereby obtaining a more compact package for installation. As a result, more options are possible to minimize leakage at higher temperatures and reduce the diameter of each pumping element.

  In the pump assembly 10, the controller 26 is housed therein, and the pump 22 and the electric motor 28 are on both sides of the controller 26 in the axial direction. That is, the controller 26 is sandwiched between the pump 22 and the motor 28 in the axial direction. As seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, for example, pump 22 and its housing 24 are provided on one side (“pump side”) of controller 26 (eg, the left side as shown in FIG. 4) and motor 28 and The casing 30 is provided on the opposite side (“motor side”) of the controller 26 in the axial direction (for example, the right side as shown in FIG. 4). In one embodiment, pump housing 22 and motor casing 30 are connected together and enclose and house controller 26 in pump assembly 10. Inside the pump assembly 10, a drive shaft 32 connects the electric motor 28 to the pump 22. The drive shaft 32 is driven around the axis A by the electric motor 28 to drive each component of the pump 22. The controller 26 drives and controls the electric motor 28 to drive the shaft 32.

  The electric motor 28 includes a rotor 34 and a stator 36 shown in FIG. The rotor 34 is connected to the shaft 32 and is accommodated in the casing 30 together with the stator 36. The motor casing 30 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the stator 36 may be fixed thereto.

  Returning to FIGS. 2 and 3, in pump assembly 10, inlet pipe 14 and outlet pipe 18 are fluidly connected to pump 22. The pump 22 is covered by a pump hydraulic housing 24, also referred to herein as a pump casing 24. According to one embodiment, the pump casing 24 may be integrally formed with the inlet pipe 14 and the outlet pipe 18. The pump casing 24 is configured to enclose each functional pump component therein and accommodate an outlet passage 27 for directing the output flow toward each pumping component and an outlet passage defined in the outlet pipe 18. May be. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the pump 22 includes a pump cover plate 23, a component housing 21, and a port plate 40. The cover plate 23 and the port plate 40 are provided at both ends of the component housing 21. When assembled, according to one embodiment, a pump casing, or pump hydraulic housing 24, surrounds the component housing 21 and houses each pump component, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the pump component may be configured to be housed within the pump hydraulic housing 24 and a separate component housing 21 need not be provided.

  FIG. 5 is shown here with the pump hydraulic housing 24 removed for illustration and explanation, where the pump cover plate 23 includes an inlet port 25, ie, an opening for receiving input fluid from the inlet pipe 14. Is shown. The pump cover plate 23 also has an outlet port 31 for the pump 22 that is aligned with a passage 33 (see FIG. 6) in the component housing 21 to form an outlet passage 27, which is connected to the suction side of the pump 22. It may be aligned. The outlet passage 27 of the pump 22 directs any output pressurized fluid from the pump 22 to (and through) the outlet pipe 18. The outlet passage 27 is close to the pump chamber 51 (shown in FIG. 6) in the radial direction and is isolated from the pump chamber 51. In the illustrated illustrated embodiment, the outlet passage 27 and the port 31 are curved or crescent shaped. The inlet port 25 may also be curved or crescent shaped. However, the illustrated and described shapes of the port 25 and / or outlet passage 27 and port 31 are not meant to be limiting.

  As will be described in more detail below, the output pressurized fluid from the pump 22 is also used for internal heat management of the pump assembly 10. In particular, because the controller 26 is temperature sensitive, the pressurized output flow is directed to circulate around the controller 26 to receive and remove heat radiated or conducted from each electronic component of the controller 26. Accordingly, the design disclosed herein preferably maintains the temperature of the controller 26 below a predetermined temperature to avoid failure of each electronic component of the controller 26 and thus the pump assembly 10.

  The type of the pump 22 provided in the pump assembly 10 and its respective parts is not limited. According to one embodiment, the pump 22 has a gerotor drive and the inner rotor 50 shown in FIG. 6 (shown with the pump cover plate 23 removed for illustration and explanation) is driven. The shaft 32 is rotationally driven, and as a result, the outer rotor 52 is rotationally driven. The inner rotor 50 is firmly fixed to the shaft 32 so as to rotate around the axis A together with the drive shaft 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the pump end portion 32 </ b> A of the shaft 32 is disposed close to or adjacent to the pump cover plate 23 and freely rotates. As shown in FIG. 4, the motor end 32 </ b> B of the shaft is fixed by an end bracket 72. Returning to FIG. 6, the outer rotor 52 is rotatably received in the pump component housing 21 and in particular in its pump chamber 51. The outer surfaces of the pump chamber 51 and the outer rotor 52 are cylindrical, and the pump chamber 51 is radially isolated from the portion of the housing 21 that defines the passage 33. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, rotation of the inner rotor 50 also causes the outer rotor 52 to rotate through their meshing teeth to receive input fluid from the pump 22 in the region between the complementary parts. Pressure is applied for output, but such details are not described here. Other types of pump components for pressurizing the input fluid can be used in the pump 22 according to other embodiments, including a gear pump, and therefore the pump 22 should not be limited to a gerotor type pump. As described above, the passage 33 is the outlet passage 27 for introducing the pressurized fluid from the pump 22 and forms a part thereof. According to one embodiment, the passage 33 may be curved or crescent shaped. However, the shape of the passage 33 is not limited.

  FIG. 7 shows further details of the port plate 40 of the pump 22 with the component housing 21 and rotors 50, 52 of the pump 22 removed therefrom for purposes of illustration and description. The port plate 40 has an opening 35 for receiving the drive shaft 32 therethrough. The transfer outlet opening 42 is aligned with the passage 33 of the component housing 21. In one embodiment, the transfer outlet opening 42 may be curved or crescent shaped, but such shape is not intended to be limiting. In one embodiment, the shapes of the port 31, passage 33, and transfer outlet opening 42 are substantially identical or substantially similar. In another embodiment, these ports and passages are shaped or formed such that at least a portion of each is aligned with an adjacent (each) part and through which an outlet passage 27 is formed. An opening for guiding the pressurized output fluid from the pump 22, in other words the transfer outlet port 44, is also provided in the port plate 40 and is shown in FIG. 4. According to one embodiment, this port 44 may also be curved or crescent shaped, but is also not limited to that shape. The controller-side outlet port 44 may be disposed radially inward of the transfer outlet opening 42, for example, closer to the opening 35 for the drive shaft 32.

  The port plate 40 of the pump 22 is provided close to and in contact with the cover plate 46. The cover plate 46 is connected to the motor casing 30 as a separate part or integrally formed therewith. In order to secure the pump 22 within the pump assembly 10, the pump housing 24 has a connector whose opening is aligned with the opening of each connector 45 (see, eg, FIGS. 7 and 8) on the cover plate 46. 19 (see FIG. 2). Fasteners and / or bolts (not shown) are inserted through the aligned openings to connect the pump housing 24 and each connected pipe 14, 18 to the cover plate 46 and thus to the motor casing 30. It may be fixed. After assembly, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, fasteners and / or mounting bolts are inserted into holes of the mounting portions 20 provided on the pump housing 24 (for example, near the assembly outlet 16) and the motor casing 30, By securing those fasteners / bolts to the vehicle, the pump assembly 10 can be mounted in the vehicle.

  Cover plate 46 may be formed from any number of thermally conductive materials such as aluminum or other metals.

  The cover plate 46 has a first axial side 47 and a second axial side 49 (see, for example, FIGS. 11 and 12). A first axial side 47 of the cover plate 46 is shown in FIG. 8 (the pump 22 and the port plate 40 have been removed for purposes of illustration and explanation). A first axial side 47 (also referred to as a pump facing side) of the cover plate 46 faces the pump 22 and is in contact with the bottom or rear side of the port plate 40 in the axial direction. A second axial direction side 49 (also referred to as a controller facing side) of the cover plate 46 shown in FIG. 11 faces the controller 56 and its related components, for example. The second axial side 49 includes a bushing 60 extending from its motor facing surface to receive the drive shaft 32. The bushing 60 receives, for example, the drive shaft 32 through its longitudinal opening (see FIG. 4). The drive shaft 32 rotates about the axis A with respect to the bushing 60. The bushing 60 may include, for example, a recess 64 (see FIG. 12) on its outer surface for receiving an O-ring 63 (see FIG. 9) therein. In operation, a small flow of pressurized fluid may be directed from the pump 22 between the inner surface of the bushing 60 and the outer surface of the drive shaft 32 toward the motor 28 (see arrows in FIGS. 17 and 18). . This fluid flow can help remove heat from the motor 28. As shown in FIG. 18, fluid may be directed between the rotor 34 and the stator 36 through the (each) bushing of the motor 28 to lubricate and cool each magnet and each winding 74. For example, fluid can be output or discharged from the end of the motor casing 30 near the end bracket 72. In one embodiment, the motor casing 30 is formed between the end of the motor 28 and the end bracket 78 of the motor casing 30 to contain a compartment 76 for containing fluid before it is discharged or discharged from the motor casing 30. (See FIG. 18). The pump assembly 10 may include a port or outlet 80 to output a small flow at the motor side and return to, for example, a lubricant source / sump or tank, whereby the pump assembly 10 is further cooled ((eg, (As a result of convection from the motor to the fluid) in the sump or tank (cooled from about 170 degrees Celsius to about 125 degrees Celsius to 130 degrees Celsius).

  Returning to FIG. 8, on the first axial side 47 of the cover plate 46, the output fluid from the pump (in other words, from the controller side or the transfer outlet port 44) A transfer recess 48 is formed for guiding radially across the surface on 47 and circumferentially around the drive shaft 32. Along with the other components described above (for example, opening 42, passage 33, etc.), transfer recess 48 directs pressurized fluid toward outlet passage 27 of pump 22. The transfer recess 48 includes a recess extending from the surface into the first axial side 47 of the plate 46 by an axial depth D (see also FIG. 4). When the port plate 40 is secured against the cover plate 46, it is intermediate between the rear side of the port plate 40 and the recess 48 (ie, due to the depth D of the recess extending into the cover plate 46) (ie, A channel is formed (towards the motor side). As described below, when output fluid flows through the formed channel and into the recess 48 (also referred to as a transfer passage), heat is transferred from the cover plate 46 to the fluid or lubricant and continues as an output or discharge flow. Removed. Accordingly, the cover plate 46 acts as a heat transfer plate between the pump and the controller to conduct heat from the controller of the pump assembly 10.

  The radial width of the transfer recess 48 around or around the drive shaft 32 (i.e., a point disposed radially outward from a point near the drive shaft 32 toward the outer edge of the cover plate 46 (the edge of the recess 48 The distance) to the part) can vary in size and shape. In one embodiment, the recess 48 has a substantially circular shape and a peninsula-shaped portion connected to the circular shape, for example, as shown in FIG. The generally circular shape may correspond to the internal receiving space of the pump component housing 21 that houses each of the rotors 50, 52 therein, and the peninsular shaped portion of the outlet passage 27 including the passage 33 and the transfer outlet opening 42. It may correspond to the shape. However, the shape of the transfer recess 48 in the cover plate 46 is not intended to be limited. In one embodiment, the depression or depth D of the transfer recess 48 occupies at least 50% of the surface area of the cover plate 46 and is removed when the amount of heat transfer to the fluid / lubricant and the fluid flows therefrom. Increase overall heat.

  The illustrated embodiment of the transfer recess 48 provided within the pump-facing side of the cover plate 46 is merely exemplary and is not intended to be limiting. In another embodiment, the transfer recess 48 may be provided on the back surface (on the side facing the controller) of the port plate 40, for example, axially from the surface of the port plate 40 into the port plate 40 (toward the pump side). A recess extending in depth is provided. In one embodiment, the pump facing or first axial side 47 of the cover plate 46 is a flat surface. When the port plate 40 is fixed in contact with the cover plate 46, a channel or transfer recess is formed between them. As fluid flow is directed along and in contact with the cover plate 46, heat is conducted from the cover plate 46 to the fluid or lubricant. Accordingly, the port plate 40 acts as a heat conducting plate between the pump and the controller and conducts heat from the controller.

  In another embodiment, both the port plate 40 and the cover plate 46 may include a recess or recess therein, each recess or recess having an axial depth, with each plate 40, 46 contacting each other. When placed and assembled together, their respective recesses / recesses are aligned to form a channel or slot or transfer recess 48 therebetween. The depths of the recesses in both plates 40, 46 may be different or substantially the same.

  The controller 26 is configured to operate or drive the electric motor 28 (eg, control the magnetic field of the stator 36 of the motor 28), thereby controlling the pump 22. The controller 26 and its components may be housed in the motor casing 30 by fixing the cover plate 46 to the motor casing 30. For example, as seen in FIG. 4, the cover plate 46 may include a flange portion 65 (see also FIGS. 11 and 12) that contacts and aligns with the edge 57 of the motor casing 30. A neck portion 67 extends from the second axial side 49 of the cover plate 46 and is press-fitted into the motor casing 30 to seal and contain the components of the controller 26 by sealing from the fluid of the pump 22. One or more O-rings or seals may also be used. However, other methods or devices for securing the cover plate 46 to the motor casing 30 may be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the controller 26 includes an electronic control unit, ie, an ECU 54, which has a plurality of capacitors 56 associated therewith (FIG. 9 includes a cover plate 46 for purposes of illustration and explanation. Shown removed). In one embodiment, for example, the capacitors 56 are arranged in a configuration spaced apart from the upper side of the ECU 54, i.e. the pump facing side 68, so that they are arranged in a circumferentially spaced relationship around the drive shaft 32. The FIG. 11 shows the second (ie, controller-facing) axial side 49 of the cover plate 46, in which the neck 67 can accommodate each of the capacitors 56 and are spaced apart circumferentially to receive them. A recess 58 is included. In one embodiment, a thermal paste is provided between the ECU 54 and the cover plate 49 to increase conductivity. For example, the thermal paste may be provided between each capacitor 56 and the inside of the recess 58 in each of the recesses 58. The ECU 54 includes a central hole through which the drive shaft 32 can pass (see FIGS. 9 and 15).

  Although four capacitors 56 are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the number of capacitors is not intended to be limited. Any number of capacitors 56 may be associated with the controller or its (each) circuit board. Further, although not described in detail herein, any number of other electrical and electronic components, sensors, chips, etc. may be used and / or provided as part of ECU 54 and / or attached to a substrate. Should be understood.

  10 and 14-15 are a BUS substrate 66 (MOSFET / printed circuit board (PCB)) containing each LIN inductor and mounted thereon (generally shown as each component and labeled 70). A) Each further part of the controller 26 including each position sensor is shown. The BUS board 66 is disposed close to the motor 28 and is used to connect the stator windings of the stator 36 to each other. The BUS substrate 66 also includes a central hole through which the drive shaft 32 can pass, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the BUS board 66 and the ECU 54 are stacked around the drive shaft 32 and electrically connected to each other.

  The controller 26 may be electrically coupled to a power source (eg, a battery) via a local interconnect network (LIN) BUS interface as shown graphically in FIG. For example, the positive and negative connectors of the LIN interface may be overmolded on the inner surface of the motor casing 30 located proximate to the controller 26. By positioning each connector on the motor casing 30, damage and / or failure is reduced. Further, conventionally, positive and negative power connectors are also overmolded on the controller cover. For example, the LIN interface and the battery may be electrically connected to the BUS board 66 at each point shown in FIG. Each connection may be provided on a flange portion of the BUS substrate 66 that extends radially outward from the substrate and / or the ECU 54 so that they face the overmolded interface and each component in the motor casing 30. Extend.

  As described above, by flowing the output fluid along the cover plate 46, the temperature of the controller 26 is maintained below a predetermined temperature, thereby avoiding failure of each electronic component of the controller 26. Each controller component radiates and / or conducts heat toward each surrounding housing component. Assembling each capacitor 56 within each recess 58 of the cover plate 46 may help maximize heat transfer from each capacitor 56 to the cover plate 46. The flowing output fluid conductively absorbs all the heat from the cover plate 46.

  In the illustrated embodiment, during operation of the pump, the pump is input to each pump component via inlet pipe 14 and pressurized. The pressurized fluid is guided from the transfer outlet port 44 of the pump 22 into the transfer recess 48 of the cover plate 46. The pressurized fluid is then passed through the formed channel / transfer passage to its perimeter and the cover plate 46 (eg, the generally circular perimeter of the radially extending recess 48) as shown by the arrows in FIG. And / or is brought into contact with the surface of the port plate 40 (see also FIG. 17). The channel formed with the transfer recess 48 is further in fluid communication with the outlet passage 27 of the pump 22 (eg, via a peninsula shaped portion). The recess 48 further directs pressurized fluid from the formed channel / transfer passageway toward the transfer outlet opening 42 of the port plate 40 for output through the outlet passage 27 and the pump outlet port 31. The outlet passage thus releases the pressurized fluid by fluidly communicating the transfer passage formed between the pump 22 and the cover plate 46 with the assembly outlet 16. Further, a portion of the pressurized fluid may be directed through the bushing 60 and beyond toward the motor 28 as shown in FIG. 18 to lubricate and cool each magnet and each winding 74. Fluid can be output or discharged from the motor casing 30 via a port or outlet 80 to a lubricant source / sump or tank.

  By sandwiching the components of the controller 26 between the pump 22 and the motor 28 as described herein, better performance and integration of the controller and motor within a sealed and integrated assembly. A design layout can be obtained. In addition, the disclosed design can be applied to the pump side (via heat transfer from the MOSFET / PCB / BUS board 66 of the controller 56 and the ECU 54 to the fluid) and heat transfer from each component of the motor 28. Both on the motor side (by pushing pressurized fluid through the bushing 60)-including the active internal cooling function of both the controller and the motor / bushing, while providing a substantially complete output flow of the pump.

  While the principles of the present disclosure have been clarified in the exemplary embodiments described above, various modifications can be made to the structures, arrangements, ratios, elements, materials, and components used to implement the present disclosure. It can be understood by those skilled in the art.

  Accordingly, even with such variations, the features of the present disclosure will be fully and effectively achieved. The preferred specific embodiments described above have been described and illustrated for the purpose of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present disclosure and may be modified within the scope of such principles. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (9)

An assembly inlet for entering fluid;
An assembly outlet for outputting fluid;
An electric motor housed in a motor casing;
A pump having a pump housing and having an inlet for receiving input fluid from the assembly inlet and a transfer outlet for outputting pressurized fluid;
A drive shaft configured to connect the electric motor to the pump and be driven about an axis by the electric motor;
A controller configured to drive the electric motor, wherein the pump and the electric motor are on opposite sides of the controller in the axial direction;
A heat conducting plate disposed between the pump and the controller and conducting heat from the controller;
The pressurized fluid output from the transfer outlet of the pump is received, the pressurized fluid is guided along the heat conducting plate and brought into contact therewith, and heat from the heat conducting plate is conducted to the pressurized fluid. A transfer path to
An outlet passage that communicates the transfer passage with the assembly outlet to release the pressurized fluid;
A pump assembly comprising:   The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the pump housing and the motor casing are connected to surround and house the controller.   The pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein the controller is provided in the motor casing, and the heat conducting plate is a cover plate connected to the motor casing to accommodate the controller.   The cover plate includes a first axial direction side and a second axial direction side, the first axial direction side of the cover plate faces the pump housing, and the second axial direction of the cover plate A side facing the motor casing, the controller is housed by the second axial side of the cover plate, and the first axial side of the cover plate includes a transfer recess defining the transfer passage; The pump assembly according to claim 3.   The pump assembly of claim 4, wherein the pump housing is connected to the cover plate.   The pump housing includes a port plate disposed in contact with the cover plate, the pump housing including the outlet passage radially adjacent to the pump chamber and isolated from the pump chamber. Item 5. The pump assembly according to Item 4.   5. The controller of claim 4, wherein the controller includes a circuit board including a plurality of capacitors, the drive shaft passes through the circuit board, and the plurality of capacitors are arranged in a spaced configuration around the drive shaft. Pump assembly.   The pump assembly of claim 7, wherein the second axial side of the cover plate includes a plurality of indentations that can accommodate the plurality of capacitors. A method of cooling a pump assembly, the pump assembly comprising:
An assembly inlet for entering fluid;
An assembly outlet for outputting fluid;
An electric motor housed in a motor casing;
A pump having a pump housing and having an inlet for receiving input fluid from the assembly inlet and a transfer outlet for outputting pressurized fluid;
A drive shaft configured to connect the electric motor to the pump and be driven about an axis by the electric motor;
A controller configured to drive the electric motor, wherein the pump and the electric motor are on opposite sides of the controller in the axial direction;
A heat conducting plate disposed between the pump and the controller and conducting heat from the controller;
The pressurized fluid output from the transfer outlet of the pump is received, the pressurized fluid is guided along the heat conducting plate and brought into contact therewith, and heat from the heat conducting plate is conducted to the pressurized fluid. A transfer path to
An outlet passage for communicating the transfer passage with the assembly outlet and releasing the pressurized fluid, the method comprising:
Driving the electric motor using the controller;
Driving the drive shaft;
Inputting fluid through the assembly inlet of the pump assembly into the inlet of the pump;
Pressurizing the input fluid using the pump;
Outputting pressurized fluid to the transfer passage via the transfer outlet;
Directing the pressurized fluid along and contacting the thermally conductive plate;
Discharging the pressurized fluid through the assembly outlet.